Best of 2009

2009 was a great year for many things. Food was no exception. Dirk and I are blessed to share a love and affinity for all that is um, food.

Since our lives revolve around breakfast, lunch, dinner and all in between, it seems fitting to come up the Best of List. This was a joint effort for sure. There are a good dozen plus catagories included. One of each won our hearts; the other a close contender. Here is the list:

1) Best Sandwich – First Place:

Katz’s Deli – NYC, Pastrami on Rye.
This was a beauty to behold. Hand carved, spare no fat, an equal amount of well seasoned and finely shaved meat melted in the mouth. The hearty rye, with its firm crust and fine crumb, needed nothing else. A small smear of mustard and crisp pickle on the side left us speechless.

If any of you are vegan... Well, my condolences.

Runner Up:

Renaud’s Patisserie – Santa Barbara, Croque Monsieur.
In case anyone doesn’t know what this sandwich is made of, it’s a glorified ham and cheese. Layered between two slices of handmade bread, slathered with bechamel and gruyere cheese, it’s then  tucked under a broiler till crispy and brown. The raw talent of this local french bakery is really astounding. Good thing we aren’t within walking distance of this place, because it would be downright dangerous.

2) Best Street Food – First Place:

I love dogs. All kinds.

Gray’s Papaya – NYC, The Recession Special.
Two hot dogs and a papaya juice for $4.99. Nothing else be said. Dirk likes his with mustard and sauerkraut, I prefer mine with red chili onions. Sublime either way.

Runner Up:

Loteria – Los Angeles Farmer’s Market, Chorizo Fundido.
Imagine a booth in the infamous market that’s been around for 70 plus years. You sit down, order a Hibiscus iced tea and wait for a blistering hot plate served from the broiler with nothing more than a pool of mexican cheese and chorizo sausage. Sop it up with handmade tortillas and weep a little when it’s all gone.

3) Best Cocktail – First Place:

Morton’s Steak House, Charlotte, NC, Sazerac.
I can’t even begin to tell you how lovely this was. I could have had many more of these, but I’m sure it would have been dangerous. Like, on a now you’re conscious and now you’re not level dangerous. Here is the recipe because you may very well need to make one (or two) yourself.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz rye whiskey
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• Peychaud bitters to taste
• absinthe
• lemon twist for garnish

Directions:

1. Chill an old -fashioned glass by filling it with ice and letting it sit while preparing the rest of the drink.
2. In a separate mixing glass, muddle the simple syrup and Peychaud bitters together.
3. Add the rye whiskey and ice to the bitters mixture and stir.
4. Discard the ice in the chilled glass and rinse it with absinthe by pouring a small amount into the glass, swirling it around and discarding the liquid.
5. Fill the rinsed glass with crushed ice.
6. Strain the whiskey mixture from the mixing glass.

These Gals LOVE a good Dark and Stormy. True Story.

Runner Up:

Dark and Stormy, Goleta Beach House, CA.
This drink proved to be a hit day in and day out when our dear family and friends of Sterrelaan came to visit last summer. Again, here is the recipe because it has great merit in lifting the body and mind.

Ingredients:

• In a collins glass filled with ice, add:
• 2 oz Gosling’s Black Seal rum
• 5 oz ginger beer
• Garnish with lime and serve immediately.

Since I know that you now have a cocktail or two to mix, I will conclude this first installment of the Best of 2009. Each and everyone of you should now get yourselves into the kitchen or bar to prepare some love for you and yours.

All this talk of great food and drink suddenly has me hankering for something to nibble and imbibe on and well. I may not have a Gray’s Papaya in the neighborhood, but I do believe I have some great cheese handy.

And a bottle of Gosling’s Rum.

Cheers!

Does This Burger Make Me Look Fat?

Another day of Twenty Ten down. Today went a bit better. And some not so.

Yin and Yang.

This is my joy. And um, not so joy.

Let’s deal with the worst first. My mechanic finally surfaced to let me know my 74 Volkswagen Beetle is actually a 73 engine, so the ever so easy install of an alternator is a no go. Must revert back to a generator/regulator repair. No problem, except the wiring has been messed with, and blah, blah, blah.

All I heard at this point was $$$$. And again, I’m without a car for going on two plus weeks. Not real thrilled about that. Once this beautiful little car is up and running, I may consider selling it. *sobbing silently now*.

Better moments – a good run in the morning. Got the chimney cleaned and sorted out for a burn year. Cost more than I would have liked, but it’s now all up to code and thanks to Mr. Chimney Sweep (also a Montecito Fire Fighter), I am certain I will not burn down the house or a neighbor’s. Should be good for karma.

Yesterday’s binge still reared its ugly head today. Ugh. Sluggish and fat I felt. Note to self:

Next craving for a burger will have to be met elsewhere.

This is what I love. Sun. Surf. Sand.

Today I ate better. Oatmeal for breakfast, a small salmon sandwich for lunch with the usual vegetable plate and fruit. Dinner was oven baked chicken, spinach and rice. Light on the rice. Light on everything actually.

In case you don’t know, we are headed to Zihuatanejo Mexico in 11 days for a week of much needed R & R. Bathing suit season will rear its ugly head in January, so it’s every man (and woman) for themselves. I am as ready as I can be. It’s not perfect, but it is what it is.

Good health and fitness is always a work in progress, so I don’t beat myself up for my discretions too much. As long as I eat fairly well, move daily and sleep decent I am happy. Dog knows I’m not 18 any more, nor can I try to be.

The ever increasing gray sprouting on my head will attest to that.

But everyday I rise and shine, go for a run or a good walk with Shadow and complete the daily tasks and challenges facing me, make me a happy girl indeed.

And if I can have a glass or two of wine at the end of the day, so much the better.

Yin and yang people, yin and yang.

Life Gets in the Way.

Hello friends…

My best intentions of posting the ‘best’ of 2009 have alluded me for many reasons:

1. My shower head was in need of repair. Fixed. Done.
2. My Mom’s toilet was in need of repair. Bought the part. Installed the part. Part didn’t work. Must return to hardware store for correct part.
3. Mixed up schedules and appointments made for a bit of chaos.
4. My beloved car is in the shop. Again. Was supposed to be fixed on Monday. Still haven’t heard from my mechanic.
5. Spent a good hour plotting the demise and torture of said mechanic.
6. I am lazy.
7. All of the above.

Okay, that said, the Best of 2009 I swear, is coming. If I’m not arrested and on trial for number 5, I will get to it over the next couple of days.

But I had to leave you all with something (this is me, actually pretending people are reading this silly blog, and returning to see if I am capable of writing some more endless dribble).

So let’s get right to it. The food.

None of this food group made it into my belly today. Boo.

I was bad today. Because of the crazy schedule mentioned above, I was not able to prepare a simple, real breakfast, which usually includes oatmeal:

• Scottish Oats
• Banana
• Flax Seeds
• Brown sugar
• Almond Butter

Instead, after a 3 + mile run, I showered and dressed, then proceeded to slam down a Mojo Bar and head out the door for more errands. By the time I picked up Dirk at noon, we decided to grab a bite out for lunch (another really bad idea when you are so hungry you could bite a baby’s butt through a park bench).

Insert The Habit here. Not bad. But when you go back for seconds (as in a second burger and onion rings) It. Is. Bad.

Finally home after another unsuccessful venture (see list number 2), I took a quick nap. Back up and on the road to pick up Dirk. Home again, and dinner was probably best passed on, but I do live with a strong, young Dutch boy, so I prepared (reheated) some leftover quiche and salad.

A couple glasses of wine later, and this is what you get people.

I’m not proud. But some days you just do what you can. And I’m pretty sure I have fulfilled my need of burger and bun for a while.

Tomorrow is another day. A good run will be in order. Then some oatmeal.

And then I deal with my mechanic. I vow to be gentle.

01 02 20 10

I love those numbers.

After another lovely long holiday weekend day, I was surprised to find another one awaits. Here I thought all day it was the wind down to the weekend (Sunday), only to find it was actually Saturday. Score!

Today was pretty sweet. We visited our favorite Mexican restaurant, Rose’s. Conveniently located a short drive away in the ‘hood’ of Santa Barbara. Chorizo burritos, chilaquiles and smoking good salsa ensued. Perfect.

We then enjoyed one of our favorite past times, an afternoon movie. We watched Up in the Air. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I’m not sure what all the hype is about, Oscar worthy, Golden Globe sweeper, etc. I will give it kudos for being an original screenplay, and it stars George Clooney. So that said, I recommend.

A bit of window shopping up State Street, and then to the Harbor for some fresh fish to go with vegetables and sides already at the house. We picked up a light, fresh and locally caught halibut. Beautiful. I simply sauteed it with capers and wine, served with basmati rice and broccolini. Just right to offset the heavy laden cheese and sausage breakfast.

Balance people, balance.

See that big bone sticking out the side? Bad. Oh wait. Never mind.

Nearly halfway through the meal, I encountered a thin bone that slid down my mouth and lodged itself into my wind pipe. Yeah, not good. Not terribly bad however, as it wasn’t a thick bone and I could breathe fine. It scratched. It tried to make it’s way south as I felt it needed and wanted to do so. But it wouldn’t budge.

Damn it! Dirk looked over at me and said. “Should we go to the ER?”

Hell no! I’ve had my share of hospitals, doctors and sterile white rooms for a good long time, thank you very much.

“I’m fine,” I croaked.

Dirk kept eating. I kept trying to dislodge the damn bone. I downed several glasses of water. Nothing.

This looks harmless. Cuidado people.

“Maybe some rice would help,” Dirk offered. “Or bread.” Good idea.

Nothing doing. I tried to sit at the table and settle it down with positive thinking. (That, and rubbing the back of my throat with my hand. Hey, it works for animals, perhaps it would work for me).

Nope. Okay, this called for drastic measures because at this point, it was causing me a bit of alarm. And discomfort. So I did what any normal person would do.

I went to the bathroom and removed said bone from my throat. Let’s not go into details. It wasn’t pretty, or comfortable. But I got the job done. Much, much better. Anyone who has ever had choking and breathing issues due to food will relate when I tell you this is a moment of rebirth. Silly, I know. But honestly; perspective it gives.

Because I am just not the most balanced person in the world, I proudly came and showed off the offending sliver to my husband.

Dirk’s exact words:

“Oh my God. I can’t believe you actually got that out of your throat! I am in true awe of you.”

Just hearing those words emitted from my gorgeous husband nearly made it all worth it.

Back to more important issues at hand and life. Like finishing that glorious bottle of wine accompanying our halibut. The rest of dinner on my plate?

No thanks.

Farewell 2009.

Happy New Year Blog Friends and Family!

During this long holiday weekend, I will be recapping my favorite bits of 2009. They are many and I fear I will fail to mention some, so my apologies in advance. Most will be related to food of course, but travel plays a role as well, which just happens to be my second favorite thing in the world to do. Eating and traveling are great companions!

Smiling is fun. Let's all try it!

Although I didn’t take any transatlantic vacations this year, I was lucky enough to have four groups of friends and family visit from across the pond, and a couple trips we met somewhere in between. You know those experiences are at the top of my list!

Just the memories of 2009 give me a reason to smile, and to be grateful for all the love and joy I experienced.

Not all was fine in 2009 (sorry, I couldn’t help that), but life rolls like that. Living well is a goal I wish to achieve, and I’m not referring to drinking find wine and eating organic foods (although that does sound pretty good to me).

As I grow older I wish to grow wiser, with modesty and respect for life. This truly is a gift here folks, we don’t have infinite time here. We can spend it lamenting about what is and isn’t. We can habitually moan and groan about the injustice of life and how rotten things are going…

Or, we can sing when the sun shines, and dance when it rains.

May 2010 be a year of growth, knowledge and celebration for us all. Happy New Year!

More Holiday Goodness.

Evening all -

What a fantastic holiday weekend. I love the long holidays. I think every weekend should last 4 days.

We have a bit of a reprieve before the New Year’s weekend commences on Thursday. It’s probably a good thing. Three days of eating right can get us ready for the next rogue weekend.

Although I must say for the most part, our portions were smallish, we kept our bodies moving, so they evened out. I think that has become a good rule of thumb.

Crustaceans. Good.

We were lucky enough to have some wonderful eats in the house:

Various fresh and local seafood. Spiny lobster, Dungeness crab and scallops made their appearance for Christmas lunch with Dirk and Mom.

We made an appetizer of the lobster. After steaming, it was mixed with cream, a bit of cheese, flashed in a hot oven and served with toasted bread. Crab cakes with Mango relish were a hit. Seared scallops in brandy cream with spinach and potato pancakes were lovely as well.

I don't recommend you eat this whole bowl.

For dessert we devoured a local made Buche de Noel, provided by our favorite local french bakery. I also picked up some macaroons, croissants and brioche coffee cake to keep us going throughout the weekend.

The next day we had a bit of glorious caviar and blinis in the house. Rich cheeses and olives came with. More dessert ensued. Chocolates, house made cookies and fine wine.

Is it a wonder we are still hungry?

Yes, we are. I did mention the portions, right? They are smaller than we would like. Dirk mentions the brilliant Japanese viewpoint on food and appetite.

Eat until you are 80 percent full. Then stop.

Sounds easy. It isn’t. It does become a way of life if you let it and it has worked for us.

We buy less, eat less, and yet still eat so, so well. Of course this last week has been decadent and luxurious in every way possible. We probably have not adhered to the 80/20 philosophy.

It’s okay.

Sometimes you have to go rogue.

And then, you retreat. And run like hell. Literally.

No Christmas Tree????

The Christmas holidays continue over here at Casa Reynolds, another fun filled day decorating the house, pulling out all the Christmas ornaments and lights. The big difference this year?

Traditional.

No Christmas Tree. I know. It’s weird, it’s wrong, it goes against all that is Christmas.

But it just didn’t happen this year. Dirk and I both had appointments and commitments that didn’t allow us to get a tree like we usually do, the first week of December. No problem. We will postpone the event until the following week. Oops, sorry. That’s not a good time either.

Okay, fine. The next weekend. Done.

So last weekend we set out to get us a tree. Granted, it’s only the 18th of December, but most of the trees have been bought. No worries, there are still beautiful pines to be had. We walk along the paths and I casually look at the price tags.

$70 for a tree!

Are you kidding me? For a tree. That’s dead. Dirk and I were just not feeling it.

Actually, I wasn’t feeling it. Because Dirk knows my sincere affinity for Christmas trees, I truly believe he wouldn’t have blinked an eye if I decided I must have had that tree.

But at that moment, I knew the Christmas season would still live in my mind, heart and soul. Without the overpriced, dried out, dead tree.

So we left the lot.

Only problem is this:

We have a vast collection of Christmas ornaments and decorations. We love opening the boxes of holiday glitter every year, remembering holidays past, smiling as we fondly hang our ornaments, retelling stories and memories. The nights that pass allow us to admire the tree, reflect and enjoy the warmth of lights and memories they hold.

NOT Traditional

Yeah, we don’t have that this year. But, I did still ask my gorgeous and strong husband to bring out the heavy Christmas boxes stored up in the closets. I slowly unwrapped the decorations and ornaments, coveting their history and memories as my hands anticipated the treasures I would find after freeing them from their annual blankets.

I found new homes for most. Our mantle became not only a make shift for the Christmas stockings, but also some fresh garland, holly and ornaments. Our Christmas tree angel is now resting atop of the said mantle as opposed to the top of the tree. She still looks glorious.

A beloved glass pitcher now adorns our glittering bulbs, surrounded by many strands of silver pearls.

Other ornaments are finding their way into different rooms and areas of the house. Look closely, or you might miss them!

Tomorrow I will decorate a fresh pine wreath with a few more gems. I’m not sure where I will end up hanging it.

But I have a feeling it will find its right spot, creating a new Christmas tradition.  Which feels absolutely perfect.

The Holidays.

I love Christmas.

What a lovely weekend we had over here at la casa. With the Christmas holiday closing in, we are making plans for some really great meals.

Even better time spent this week however, has been with Dirk’s Cousin Sebastian, his wife Nana, and their 3 great kiddos Carmen 9, Noah 7 and Hanna 4. Please forgive me guys if I have your ages wrong!

They are visiting from Denmark, and it’s a first trip for most. Sebastian has been to America before, but it’s the first trip for the kiddos and Nana. And a first for all around in California.

They have also been traveling with Nana’s cousin Christian who is a student at SBCC. He is moving on up to Palo Alto for fall session and his father Nils has come with to make it all happen. It was absolutely fantastic to have time spent with all of them. We are hoping when they come down the coast again from their trip up north before heading down south to enjoy the Christmas holidays at Disneyland, we will be able to spend some more time with everyone.

Mixed in with their visit, we are eagerly anticipating our holiday week at home.

Shai Shai is Christmas ready!

Christmas Eve dinner will no doubt be a wonderful time spent and enjoyed by Dirk, me and Shadow.

Christmas day will be enjoyed by the local family, my Mom included. A luncheon of fresh seafood and produce will prevail.

Our many friends and family members far and away will be cherished and thought of.

Long days hold deep memories.

In our minds and hearts, we will remember days spent with you. Good times. Good times.

May we all experience the joy and love of the holiday tradition. Dog’s speed it continues to feed us through the New Year.

Love and Bless Us All.

It’s almost Christmas!

Yep, it’s that time of year. Most of us are still running around like crazy, and the ones that aren’t are just too organized.

I don’t trust them.

I mean seriously, who recommends shopping for gifts year round? Don’t get me wrong. I shop. For gifts. Year round.

I just don’t shop in February for friends or family members a month after settling into the New Year with the intention of storing away the gift (s) for nearly a calendar year.

I dunno, maybe it’s me and my nature to just sort of roll with the punches for most of my days. Which I think I do fairly well. Hell, I would venture to think we all live our lives pretty much the same way.

So…

I am making another goal.

To live in the moment. I know it sounds vague, so I’m going to say “In the Moment” for me, is a week out. A month if need be. And all the rest, I can sort of plan in the back of my head, but it has to be sort of an after thought.

This does NOT include investments, bills or any money related terms. That can just be trouble.

I want to be a present part of the…

Present.

Whether it’s good or bad, sad or mad. I’m going to try and remain aware of what is.

Because honestly? I have not lived nearly these many years to find myself unable to behave in a manner  most people would adhere to as a first grader. If I do… then I fail.

Badly.

I sound noble now, but it may only be a short amount of time before I succumb to an elementary grade level mentality.

That’s okay. It’s human. And maybe that is the real lesson to be learned here.

Let us live and let live. Don’t judge anyone. Learn from others.

Even the organized ones. Merry Christmas.

Tis The Season

Yep, it’s nearly Christmas. I have been a busy, busy bee. And I’ve also neglected this darn blog.

Mea Culpa.

I will try to do better in 2010. It is one of my goals. I don’t call them resolutions. Resolutions, in my mind infer that one is off the track. I must be doing something wrong, and therefore I need to resolve my current actions.

Yeah, that sucks. I like goals a whole lot more.

Until my new ‘goal’ is met, I leave you with this.

Christmas week is near. I finally got to light a fire in my fireplace. The glow and warm colors are just what I needed. I baked some treats today, and now my whole house smells like butter and burnt sugar.

I am trying not to eat the small plate of fudge, shortbread and mint bark on the counter.

I am leaving for Zihuatanejo in 5 weeks, so therefore I really need to refrain from eating the sweets.

I love Christmas. I am mailing letters to friends and family far and near tomorrow. I wish us all peach, love and harmony for 2010.

I strive to enjoy a simple life, with my beloved husband and puppy.

May we all enjoy the holiday of love. My earnest best to you all.

Dog bless us all xoxox

Kat